There are still many people out there who are not convinced that social media can help build their business. The reasons are varied: social networks are for teenagers, they take to much time to be involved in, my target market isn’t there, and on and on. I get these doubts. I understand the resistance.
But there is no question that if 2008 was the year that social media broke into the big time, then 2009 is the year it will go more mainstream than ever. It is vitally important to your success to understand how it can benefit you and why it is worth the time it will take in the beginning to learn it and make it part of your marketing routine. Use it to support your business or risk getting left behind.
So why care about social media right now?
Proves You are a Living, Breathing, REAL Person
This sounds kind of funny but it’s crucial. Humans need to feel they are connecting with others and that they are being heard. You can’t get away with being a faceless entity doing business on the web as much anymore. Those who are still doing it that way risk alienating those making the buying decisions.
Branding
There is plenty of opportunity to build and make visible your particular brand—while still being human. You don’t need to think of this in terms of the big boys like Coke or Pepsi-type branding. It could even just be a logo, colors, your avatar picture or tagline. If your usage of the tools is regular, each impression strengthens others’ awareness of what your services or products are about. Keep your messages and branding activities cohesive and consistent and you have a powerful way to promote yourself and what you are offering.
Viral Word of Mouth
Is every follower or friend you have on social sites going to be a member of your target market? No, and it doesn’t matter. If you are providing great content, helpful links and regularly contributing something useful to the community, the viral nature of social media will help push this content through the networks to the people who need to hear it.
Speed of Results
While building up page rank takes time and often cannot be predicted, the impact of social networks and tools is often instantaneous.
Traffic
Sites where you list your link in your profile or direct people to your latest post or article is just another way to drive traffic to your blog or website. I’ve had good results with Facebook and Twitter especially by looking at the traffic source stats in my Google Analytics page.
Value Contribution
You’re in business because you have something of value to offer others. The conversational nature of social media makes it easy to engage others in discussions which naturally reveal what you may be able to help them with. Be authentic, give regardless of how much you get back, and stay involved.
It’s Not Going Away
The names and faces of the latest and greatest networks and tools may change but the benefits that the interactive nature of Web 2.0 provides are real and working very well for countless small business owners and solopreneurs. Isn’t it time you discovered that for yourself?
Let me know your thoughts. How active are you in social media currently? If you aren’t, what’s holding you back?
Photo credit: Shashi Bellamkonda
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“Be authentic, give regardless of how much you get back, and stay involved.”
This is wonderfully brilliant advice that is applicable in any social arena. Do what you say and the connections will occur naturally and naturally some of them will be good for business. It’s an honor to be the first to comment on this outstanding article and blog.
I’m involved now to the extent that fits my schedule and my intent. You’re right; it works and done authentically it feels good as well.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Time and Money
When do you think corporate America — especially the finance sector — might come around to embrace social media?
Do you think corporate SM might be a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel of recession?
Feel free to let me know your thoughts via twitter: @JayOatway
Jay Oatway’s last blog post..T-Mobile Storms Liverpool Street Station with Massive Flashmob Dance
@Tom–Thanks so much! Your plan of being involved in a way that fits your time and intent is perfect. Some people like to throw around rules with social media but I think it’s best for each person to define their own way of using it. The only things I’d say are absolutely crucial are to contribute and stay real!
@Jay–Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I think many industries who haven’t quite done so yet are going to come around to social media in a big way this year. Given the current economy, the financial sector in particular would be wise to use SM to its advantage, given its low/no cost and as a way to handle reputation management, show transparency (we can hope) and of course connect with customers.
Great article, Christine, and very nice blog/site.
Honestly, I was just creating a business page on my personal Facebook profile last night! Some of these thoughts are right up my alley! Can I link to you from my website? I am trying to create a strong list of very useful sites for small businesses.
@Scott–Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by. And Pages in Facebook are great. Especially for the wonderful SEO benefits since Facebook ranks so highly in Google.